Complementing International Maritime Organisation’s resolution to observe International Day for Women in Maritime on 18^th May every year, starting from 2022. We at Marex Media are honouring such extraordinary, powerful and beautiful women. Mrs Sadhana Bandekar, Assistant Fleet Personnel Manager, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) in Mumbai is one such women.

Sadhana started her career in shipping immediate after graduation. She has approximately 24 years of experience in the shipping industry. She is working with BSM since 2006 in crewing department under the able guidance of Managing Director (MD), Capt Sankalp Shukla. She believes that if we are able to resolve any situation is an achievement in itself and brings immense satisfaction at the end of a hard day. Sadhana is married with one son.

She shares her experience in this male dominated industry.

What made you to join the shipping industry soon after graduation?

There is tremendous scope for women in shipping, provided the field is given the right exposure. Opportunities are endless be it at sea or on shore. Women can work in logistics, ship workshops, port authority, harbor departments and many other sectors related to shipping.

Hence, I joined this sector in 1998 and have not changed my pitch since.

What goes through your mind when you think of women who joined the workforce before you?

These women were strong and resilient. I believe they were held to a higher standard and that they had to prove themselves at work and home.

Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you…

When I joined as trainee in BSM, one of my senior colleague was a female who was in this field for past 12 years. I was quite surprise to see that she was not only capable to handle a difficult task but was able to solve a difficult situation. I recall this situation, a vessel inspection was going on. My colleague got a call at the ninth hour and was told to get this issue sorted or else vessel will be detained. She spoke to the inspector very confidently and assured him that everything is absolutely fine. Looking at the way she handle this situation so well was a moment that inspired me.

What challenges you have come across in your journey so far?

From the many challenges I faced in my journey so far, communication is one of them. Since shore based job is mainly on communication; where we have to communicate with crew on the ship and their families, ship owner, and port agents. Today, I can communicate with all parties involved very smoothly.

The pandemic brought many rough patches, as a Fleet Personnel how did you manage the situation?

At the onset of the pandemic, with governments closing their borders, new regulations being introduced and new protocols to be followed at joining ports, we were not sure about how we would tackle the crew change situation. Then FOSMA, a ship owner and manager association, in collaboration with few shipping companies and other associations took the initiative of transferring crews via charter flights. This initiative was a huge relief for both seafarers who were ashore and those at sea; and their families. Our fleet team was available 24X7 to face this unknown challenges.

Do you experience resistance when you are leading men?

Yes, some times. However, under the able guidance and mentoring of our MD, Capt Sankalp Shukla; all female employees in BSM are given a fair chance and opportunity to grow at every step in our career. Though the industry is male dominated, we at BSM are lucky to have such an excellent mentor who is always motivating us and developing managerial skills.

How do you balance work and life responsibilities?

It’s not easy to balance work & life responsibilities; as each person plays multiple roles in life – child, spouse, parent, friend and employee. The best way to bring about a work-life balance is the ability to manage these responsibilities without any conflict.

How do you unplug from work?

I do exercise. I enjoy spending time with my dog, meditate and enjoy cooking delicious food as I am married in a foodie family.

Tell us about the personal sacrifices you have made throughout your career?

Yes, to move ahead in my career, I have sacrifice time, sleep, and sometime even evenings and weekends with family.

What would you tell young women who are just starting to work? What would you like them to know?

I would like to tell our young women, learn to see work as a service opportunity. Be confident in your abilities. I would recommend they start identifying who is their customer and know their expectations so they can meet or exceed their standards.

Marex Media